Secret Mediterranean: Pantelleria

Where nature steals the scene 

Human beings have learned to impose their rules and rhythms on everything around them, and yet nature inescapably always sets the tone. Pantelleria offers blatant examples of this: some of the most unique landscapes you could think of reside here, the strong winds shaping its growth and man learning to adapt to it. The unique Pantelleria gardens are built in such a way as to protect citrus fruits from strong gusts, granting them the most suitable microclimate; grapes are weighted down to create a low profile and are protected from Aeolos’ fury.  Wine tourism beats strong on the island, and a sip of the exquisite Grenache, Zibibbo and Passito wines are all it takes to fall in love with intense tastes. You will find several wine estates, such as the fabulous Coste Ghirlanda Laboratory: sip wine immersed in the silence of the Pantelleria nights for a moment to treasure.

The heavily nutrient rich soil found on the island helps the farmland flourish and the local delicacies are hard to beat. This is Italy with an African twist: think larger-than-life sunsets, idyllic colours, bluer-than-blue waters and a natural spa at your disposal. Foodies are in their elements here: the local capers are to die for and famous the world over, as are the Baci Panteschi, ricotta-filled sweets, whose taste you will dream of for long after you have tried them.  Pantelleria cous-cous and salads also brim with unique flavours: cous-cous is found all over Sicily, but its taste is stronger here. Many hours of preparation for an unforgettable fish-based dish with fried vegetables. The typical local salad is made with boiled potatoes, local capers, raw onions, fresh tomatoes and dried fish. Seasoned with oregano and oil, it is simply sublime.  Pantelleria will seduce you with its sophisticated atmosphere, dramatic light and imposing, welcoming silence: let’s discover the magic.